London Normal School - Spectrum Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

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The Glee Club Ukrainian Dancing OWING to the month that was lost at the first of the year, and to the many compet- ing activities of our term, the Glee Club this year has not contributed a great deal to our extra-curricular activities. However, the club is still functioning— not as an organized group, but having a wide circle of interested students in attendance. We have had fairly regular practices through- out the year, but with only half the school in attendance at one time it has not been possible to present many finished performances to date. The Christmas pageant did great credit to the talent of the school, and was a source of enjoyment to all the students and their friends. Mr. Wheeler announces that the closing Liter- ary Program of the year will allow everyone to see just what has been accomplished. He is also working with a smaller group on some special numbers which he hopes will be presented at this program. We appreciate the time and work that Mr. Wheeler has given us, and are fortunate in having as director and instructor a man of Mr. Wheeler ' s musical standing and personal qualities. — R it th Fox. Dancing Classes AVERY interesting feature of extracurricular activities at the London Normal School dur- ing the winter months was the dancing classes, organized and directed by Miss Rider. Owing to the preponderance of women students at the school, they had to take their turns at the classes, whereas the men were invited to come to every lesson. At the lessons the basic routines for foxtrot and waltz were practised. One very strenuous evening was devoted to folk and barn dancing, and part of another to the intricacies of the ball- room tango. For some the lessons served as re- capitulation of lessons previously studied and the evenings were a means of pleasant diversion. To others, however, it was a serious affair for they were novices and here was an opportunity not to be sneered at. It is a very disheartening experi- ence for a young man who has never danced to go on a floor and to attempt to lead a girl through steps that she knows and he does not. If, how- ever, he begins his training by stepping down the gymnasium floor with the nearest girl at least fifteen feet away, retreating from him, he has time to acquire confidence before he has to take the lead. This is by no means a hypothetical case, for it comes directly from personal experience. The fact that a number of students owe their presence at the several school festivities to Miss Rider ' s coaching is ample warrant for a recom- mendation that these classes be continued in future years. — Earle Sanborn. DANCING has played a great part in life amongst the great peoples of the world. It has had its place in the religious life of many races; it has provided many with a form of aesthetic expression; it has been the major source of re- creation for the people of many lands, and it has had its part to play in great events of history. We should look upon the practice of a tradit- ional dance much as we look upon the study of a classic writing in Literature, respecting the values which have made it endure through the years. Ukrainian Dancing brought us an appreciation of the typical style of dancing of one of the great races of the world, theSlavic Race, which occupies a large part of Eastern Europe. There is a wealth of tradi- tion behind the dances which is the heritage of centuries. We were introduced to Ukrainian Dancing by an excellent dancing master, Mr. Pasichnik, a very genial and capable instructor. In spite of being a large and heavily built man, the lightness and gracefulness of his movements in dancing were a source of admiration ot the class. He was handi- capped by the short time he had to instruct us, by the size of the group, and by the difficulty of not being able to express his wishes readily in English. But in spite of this he was able to get very favourable results. He was assisted by friends who helped to demonstrate the dances, presenting them in costume, which added to the interest and effectiveness of the dance. To us, as beginners, the Ukrainian dancing proved difficult and very strenuous. After the first lesson most of us were very tired, but those who returned for the next lesson found it less arduous and soon had the satisfaction of learning some of the steps. The music for the dancing proved to be very fast, requiring quick movements of the feet. The dance routines of Ukrainia are built up from a large number of standard steps. We were taught about eight of these steps in addition to a first step which is used like a chorus between each change of step. We were taught a routine using the steps we had practised, which was performed in couples in a circle formation. Other solo dances, couple dances, and dances for men and for women were intro- duced, which also made use of the steps which we had been taught. Time, however, did not permit us to learn these. I am sure that those of us who were able to take the lessons certainly enjoyed the experience. We appreciated the opportunity afforded in the leadership of Mr. Pasichnik. The results obtained seemed to be very acceptable considering the short- ness of the time spent in learning the dances. Most of us regret that no further opportunity has presented itself for us to practise what we learned. — Norman Powe. Page Twenty-fiie

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The Rivals The Party Given by the Staff THE London Normal School made dramatic his- tory this year by the novel manner in which Form II presented the play, The Rivals. This eighteenth century comedy by Sheridan was given at the all-afternoon meeting of the Literary Society, on Friday, March 18th. After the play, Mr. McEachern congratulated Form II on its hue work, especially mentioning cer- tain players who had given outstanding perform- ances, and remarked that the play had been both entertaining and educational. In our enthusiasm at the completion of this effort, we invoked the Muse: The Rivals, by Sheridan, Form II did present, A play of much dialogue and lengthy content, But withal a play of exceptional humou r; Of acts there were five, of scenes — quite a few more. And so ' twere thought best, in view of this fact, To divide up each part, with consummate tact. In this novel way the labour was shared, With each student ' s time not greatly impaired. Thus four Mrs. Malaprops gesticulated, And marvellous phrases glibly articulated. Five Sir Anthonys ranted and raved At Absolutes, their sons, whose obedience they craved. Three Absolutes (posed as Beverly, handsome and free) At last won fair Lydia (of whom there were three). Four Faulklands, exceptionally vacillating and blue, Were assured that both Julias were steadfast and true. Sir Lucius ' courtship, alas, came to naught, A suitable lady in vain both had sought. One of the four Acres very near fought a duel, For this country squire a fate much too cruel. The gentlemen ' s servants, two Fags, Thomas and David, Though doubtless good servants, their opinions paraded. Maid Lucy (though one), in intrigue always revelled, And more than one gentleman slyly bedevilled. Now lest one should think this arrangement con- fusing, We set up a standard which none were abusing. All the Absolutes were young, tall, slender and fair, The Sir Anthonys old, thin, with a limp, and grey hair. The Faulklands agreed in form, dress and mien, The Malaprops distinguishable whene ' er they were seen. So on down the list we sought to arrange, That an audience scarcely would note the exchange. Three directors were planned, but one falling ill, The two carried on, with might and good-will. Scene followed on scene, without needless delay, And in three hours flat we had finished the play. As slowly the curtains on the last scene are drawn, We close our eyes wearily, wish for the dawn Of a new day to-morrow ; but, our spirits are soaring, We ' ve been kindly assured that we weren ' t even boring. — Geraldine Hughes. EARLY in February an announcement which very much aroused our curiosity was posted on the bulletin board. This was the notice of a meeting of the rate-payers and trustees of School Section No. 13, Utopia. We learned that it was an invitation to the entertainment which the staff was giving for the students. Needless to say, we looked forward to the event with mounting enthusiasm. At last the evening arrived. The students and critic teachers assembled in the auditorium. We discovered that the platform had been transformed into a typical country school-room, with a stove in the centre, rows of desks, and the usual para- phernalia, — maps, posters, globe, etc. While we were busy taking in the many cleverly humorous aspects of the stage setting, a burst of laughter from the back of the aduitorium drew our attention to the entrance doors. There we saw the cast, made up of the members of the staff and the masters ' wives, on their way to the rate-payers ' meeting. The very novel costumes, which they were wearing, created a great deal of mirth. After the rate-payers were seated, the meet- ing began by the usual appointment of a chairman. A certain Mr. U. C. I. B. Wright (who was really none other than our principal, dressed in a sports jacket and large bow tie) was selected, and the business of the evening was undertaken. The ludicrously detailed secretary ' s report was read and duly commented upon by almost everyone present. Thus the meeting progressed, every speech and action laugh-provoking. Some of the special features of the perform- ance were, — A speech by the public school in- spector (Mr. Clarke), who outlined what a sup- posedly ideal practice school should be like; a description by Mr. R. U. Normal (Mr. McKone) of an imaginary visit to the London Normal School, and the peculiar things he found out about the staff and students there; and a demonstration by the rate-payers of the rhythm band instruments. The whole farce was interwoven with clever allus- ions to the familiar sayings and doings of our school. The general effect was enlivened by the dramatic by-play carried on throughout by every- one, such as the flirtation between one of the teacher applicants and the son of a rate-payer. At the close of this meeting, all were invited to stay while the trustees interviewed the applicants for the position of teacher. Before this business was undertaken, the village bandmaster (Mr. Wheeler) led a community sing-song. The har- monica duets, played by Mr. Wright and the band- master, at this time, were thoroughly enjoyed. The trustees ' meeting commenced with the reading of two humourous letters of application, which had been received by the secretary. The first applicant (Mrs. Mark) then presented her credentials. Everyone was much impressed by the musical ability which this young lady dis- played. A very severely dressed young woman was the next to be interviewed. She tried, auto- cratically, to convince the board that they needed { Continued on page 35 Page Twenty-four

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Our Visitors Oct. 21 — At the beginning of the year, Mr. Henry gave the students an idea of what was being done in the Institutes for the Blind. The students were cordially invited to visit the local Institute and also to aid the blind on Tag Day. Oct. 28 — Mr. Bishop, the fire marshal of Ontario, demonstrated the causes of many ser- ious fires. He told of tragic happenings which were the results of panic in public buildings and schools. His lecture impressed upon his listeners the respon- sibility of a teacher in case of fire. Oct. 28 — Mr. Humphreys, from British Columbia, gave a very educational talk about the Maritime Provinces and British Col- umbia. He illustrated his talk with many colourful and interesting slides. Nov. 15 — Dr. Helen McMurchy delivered four enlightening health lectures. Nov. 16 — At the close of her lectures she answered any questions, previously handed in by the students. Jan. 7 — Mrs. Cummings, a gifted story-teller, entertained the masters and students with delightful children ' s stories, at one of the Literary Meetings. Jan. 19 — Dr. Karr, Inspector of Teacher Train- 20 ing, visited the London Normal School 21 and watched the students at work. At the end of his visit he stressed the importance of clear enunciation and pronunciation. Jan. 28 — Dr. Harry Amos illustrated what diffi- culties are met by children who are physically handicapped. The teacher should refer every unfortunate child to the school nurse, or write to Dr. Amos. Jan. 28 — Miss Freeman, a demonstrator from the Fisheries Department, Ottawa, very com- petently carried out a cooking demon- stration. After the demonstration the tasty dishes were sampled by the mas- ters, visitors and students. Jan. 31 — During Education Week Dr. Dearness, an ex-principal of the London Normal School, instructed the teachers-in-train- ing in School Management by the use of amusing examples. He also gave much timely advice to young teachers just entering the teaching profession. Feb. 1 — Miss Hamilton, representing the Red Cross Society, spoke about the Red Cross movement all over the world. She dis- tributed pamphlets, which gave instruc- tions for organizing Junior Red Cross Societies in the School. Feb. 3 — Miss Elliott, a lecturer from the Depart- ment of Agriculture, gave an address on the value and use of canned goods in modern cooking. Feb. 3— Mr. Keefe, Director of School Atten- dance, instructed the students in the methods of marking the daily register. Feb. 18 Mar. 7- Mar. 18 Mar. 18 Mar. 21 Mar. 22 -Miss Tyhurst, President of the Girls ' Work Board, talked about the place of a teacher in the religious training of the community. -Dr. Harrison Lewis, from Ottawa, de- lighted the students with an illustrated lecture on birds. The students were informed that illustrative material could be obtained by writing to the Com- missioner, Canadian National Parks Branch, Department of Interior, Ottawa. -Miss Cornish, from Ingersoll, at a Liter- ary Meeting, related her thrilling exper- iences at the Coronation. -Mrs. Kingston, one of the Provincial Vice-presidents of the Home and School Society, stressed the importance of this Society. Pamphlets were distributed. -Mr. Hughson, of the Ryerson School, introduced the value of the Teachers ' Federation. He spoke to the men stu- dents about the Men Teachers ' Federa- tion. Miss Fawkes, of Governor Simcoe School, spoke to the lady students about the Women Teachers ' Federation. -Dr. Hobbs, Director of Mental Health Clinic, delivered two exceedingly impor- tant lectures on mental hygiene. He stressed the necessity of discovering harmful habits of thinking early in a child ' s life. The students enjoyed hav- ing Dr. Hobbs read several case his- tories. — Kilmeny J. Caverly. J ormal Chic s ONE day, while home in the Easter holidays, I sat in the dining room gazing at Chuck, our big brown collie dog, as he was in the kitchen watching the chicks which I had brought from the Normal School. It was indeed interesting to note the attitude of curiosity that seemed to exist between Chuck and the wee chicks. Six tiny yellowish brown New Hampshire Reds chirped and strutted around in a square wooden box. Chuck, the colour of a woodchuck, hence his name, stood beside the box watching their every move. His monstrous brown head was bowed and slightly tilted, while his ears stood erect and sharp. His mouth hung ajar with tongue falling out as he panted in wonderment at those tiny bunches of active fluff. The chicks slightly glanced up at their huge guard, peeping content- edly as they filled their little crops or let the water run down their slender throats. So eager was Chuck not to lose sight of one move that he leaned over, almost touching them. One chick, being curious about that big brown thing with the black nose and red tongue, stretched its little self up and gave it a pick. What a yelp! And poor Chuck walked slowly into the dining- room with a shame-faced expression. Turning around again, he went back to study further those interesting-looking chicks. — Coyla Cody. Page Twenty-six